Monday, June 07, 2010

We win again!

Despite weeks of setbacks and scoldings, from allies as well as critics, Canada scored one success after another over the weekend in its efforts to shape the agenda of the G8 and G20 summits, thanks to Stephen Harper’s ability to exploit the swiftly transforming global balance of power.

Leaked communiqués and background briefings revealed that on the issues of funding for maternal health, a proposed bank tax and efforts to combat climate change, the agendas of the June summits reflect Canada’s priorities.

Those summit positions are Canada's priorities? No, not really. Canadians favour maternal health funding that includes all ranges of family planning options, including abortion. The polls have clearly demonstrated that. So to say that these communiques reflect Canada's priorities is most wrong on this particular issue.